Satellite News

After its 9-hour-12-minute mission, a Proton M/Briz M released the Astra 1M satellite into a geosynchronous transfer orbit. The satellite will eventually go into operation at 19.2 degrees East for SES Astra of Luxembourg.

The Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) Flight 16 (F16) Block 5D-3 spacecraft, built by Lockheed Martin , has surpassed five years of on-orbit operations and continues to provide critical weather data to the U.S. military, one year beyond its four year design life.

The DirecTV Group, Inc. reported financial results for the third quarter 2008.

ViaSat Inc. announced financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2009.

Thaicom Public Company Limited has inaugurated its eleventh IPSTAR Gateway in Manila, The Philippines.